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Local NewsHere is where you can get your oil changed for the cheapest price. HOUSTON – Getting your car’s oil changed is one of the most important maintenance items you have to do to keep your car running. Whether you’re going 3,000 or 10,000 miles between changes, you don’t want to pay more for the service than you have to. Consumer expert Amy Davis shopped around to show you where to get the lowest priced oil change in our area. We compared prices at six Houston-area auto shops. We discovered it’s not just where you go, but what kind of oil you put in your vehicle that determines the price. The technician may ask you if you want conventional oil, a synthetic blend (which is a mixture of conventional and synthetic oil) or straight-up pure synthetic. You should check the owner’s manual for your vehicle to find out which type the manufacturer recommends. If it doesn’t specify, or if it says you can use conventional, you can use any of the three types of oil. “A lot of it is personal preference,” explained Ali Bekdely, owners of Redline Auto Sports in southwest Houston. “What you want to put in your car, how often you want to change the oil... how much you want to spend.” Three types of motor oil:
Now for the price comparison:
What other services are included? No matter where you go, the technician should also check your vehicle’s fluids and top them off, check belts and hoses to make sure they are in good shape. These checks should be included in the price of your oil change. If the technician recommends other work, ask them to show you the problem. “If they’re telling you you have, for example, a coolant leak, I would walk around there and ask him to show me,” said Bekdely. Once you find a shop and technician you trust, stick with them so they can become familiar with your vehicle and they’ll have the record of maintenance and repairs for your vehicle. Copyright 2020 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved. About the Author:Amy DavisPassionate consumer advocate, mom of 3, addicted to coffee, hairspray and pastries. Editorial Note: Credit Karma receives compensation from third-party advertisers, but that doesn’t affect our editors’ opinions. Our third-party advertisers don’t review, approve or endorse our editorial content. It’s accurate to the best of our knowledge when posted. One of the most effective things you can do to protect the health and value of your car’s engine is to get regular oil changes.Whether you choose to do it yourself or opt for a professional oil change, the service typically costs between $20 and $70. Keeping up to date on oil changes may extend the life of your car’s engine and help your vehicle run more efficiently. In this article, we’ll discuss the factors that can affect the cost of your oil change as well as the benefits of getting oil changes done regularly.
What factors affect oil change cost?A basic oil change is pretty straightforward: The vehicle’s oil is replaced, along with its oil filter. You can typically expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $70 for an oil change. But the cost will vary based on a few factors, including the type of motor oil that you choose, the size of your car’s engine and where you have the service done. Types of motor oilThere are four main types of motor oil to choose from when you get an oil change.
An oil change using conventional motor oil will usually be the most cost-effective option. At Goodyear Auto Service, for example, an oil change with conventional motor oil starts at about $23. An oil change using full synthetic oil will usually be the costliest option — Goodyear charges about $70 for this type of oil change. Which type of motor oil should I choose?Your car’s owner’s manual will tell you what type of motor oil to choose for your vehicle. According to a consumer report, in the 2019 model year, about 70% of new cars get either fully synthetic or blended oil — it offers the highest level of engine protection. Even if your car doesn’t require synthetic oil, it’s still worth considering. Though it’s the most expensive option, synthetic oil may help reduce maintenance costs by extending the life of your engine and helping it run more cleanly. Keep in mind that your engine is often the most expensive part of your car — engine repairs can cost thousands of dollars. So making sure it runs optimally with regular oil changes might help you avoid costly repairs down the road. Additionally, some synthetic oils can go for much longer intervals than conventional oils before needing to be changed. This can mean less money spent on oil changes over time. And since it reduces engine friction, synthetic oil may also help optimize your car’s fuel economy. The size of your car’s engineAnother factor that affects oil change cost is the size of your vehicle’s engine. With a typical oil change, you get up to five quarts of oil included in the cost of the service. But your costs can start going up if you drive a car with a larger engine, like a truck, which may require more than the standard five quarts of oil. Where you go to get an oil changeWhen it’s time for an oil change, you can tackle the task yourself or have it done at a dealership or specialty auto shop. The DIY route is the least expensive option, but it involves some elbow grease on your part. And while you’ll typically save some money by doing the oil change yourself, you may be missing out on some extra value — that’s because accompanying maintenance services are often offered by professionals doing an oil change. So while getting a professional oil change is typically the most expensive way to go, the additional bells and whistles it might come with, like a tire pressure check, visual brake check, fluid top-off and a tire inspection, could make it worth the cost. Heads up: Some people believe that oil changes need to be done at the dealership to keep a car’s warranty in effect. But it’s illegal for manufacturers or dealers to deny warranty coverage simply because maintenance was handled by someone other than the dealer, according to the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act. How often should I get an oil change?Your car’s make, model and year will affect the frequency of your oil changes. Many of today’s carmakers recommend oil changes at every 5,000, 7,000 or even 10,000 miles. But check your owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer recommends for your vehicle. Sticking to your manufacturer’s recommendations is important, because regular oil changes can help lower your vehicle’s ownership costs in a couple of ways. Oil helps your engine run efficiently. Your car’s engine is made up of several moving components. If these components aren’t lubricated, it can harm the engine. Oil provides this lubrication, but it breaks down over time and can become contaminated with dirt and debris, which can cause damage and compromise fuel economy — both of which will cost you money in the long run. Driving conditions also play a role in how often you’ll need to get an oil change. If you tow a trailer regularly, drive in extreme heat or cold, spend lots of time idling in stop-and-go traffic, or make lots of short-distance trips that are less than five miles, your owner’s manual may recommend shorter intervals between oil changes. What’s next?A consistent oil change schedule can go a long way toward protecting the health and value of your car’s engine. Check your owner’s manual to see how frequently you should change your oil and verify you’re not overdue for an oil change. If you don’t have a manual, you may be able to research the car’s recommended oil change interval online. And when you take your car in for an oil change, be aware that the technician may try to upsell other services. Again, use your owner’s manual as a guide to help you determine whether those services are necessary or worthwhile. About the author: Warren Clarke is a writer whose work has been published by Edmunds.com and the New York Daily News. He enjoys providing readers with information that can make their lives happier and more expansive. Warren holds a Bac… Read more. What is the average cost of a synthetic oil change?Typically, an oil and filter change using conventional oil will cost between $35 and $75, depending on your area. If your car requires synthetic oil, you should expect to pay anywhere from $65 to $125.
Should I use full synthetic or synthetic blend?They are slower to break down and lose their protective qualities. Full synthetic oil gives you better engine performance and protection than conventional oil and blend oil. They fight sludge and other buildups. Synthetics also limit wear and protect against high temperatures.
Is synthetic blend the same as full synthetic?While full synthetic oil is a synthetic oil through and through, the same cannot be said for synthetic blend oil. Synthetic blend oil has only been on the market for about 50 years now, but it has made a big splash on the scene thanks to what it brings to the table.
Is synthetic oil change worth it?Though synthetics generally hold up better for more miles, regular oil changes remain important, and you shouldn’t wait beyond the time interval recommended by the manufacturer—typically every six months or a year. Using synthetic in these situations will prolong your oil life and require fewer changes.
Is synthetic blend more expensive?Firstly: synthetic is more expensive, but is commonly known as the superior choice when it comes to long-lasting engine protection.
Is synthetic blend oil worth the money?Synthetic oil provides more effective protection for your car, may even prolong the life of your engine and would cost the average driver just $65 more each year. So if you can afford the extra cost, you should choose synthetic oil — and if your car requires it, you must use it.
How often does synthetic blend oil need to be changed?Synthetic oil can last for up to 10,000 or even 15,000 miles, depending on the brand and car you're driving. When it comes to determining the interval for a synthetic blend oil change, you can normally aim for a number between 5,000 and 7,500.
Is synthetic blend oil change good?Synthetic blend oil is far better than mineral oil in terms of its performance and resistance to friction. It has many qualities that most fully synthetic oils contain, yet offers better fuel economy. It also acts as a stepping stone to switch to fully synthetic oil for your car.
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